Fresh hope for rail stations as minister says case for reopening them is ‘clear'

THE case for re-opening two Devon railway stations is "clear", according to fresh government comments, but their future will remain uncertain until the upcoming spending review.

- by BRADLEY GERRARD Local Democracy Reporter

Campaigners have been trying to get both Cullompton railway station and Wellington, in Somerset, reopened for decades, and significant progress had been made under the Restoring Your Railway scheme overseen by the previous government.

But when Labour came to power in last year's general election, it scrapped the initiative as part of its efforts to review government finances.

Last month a 30-strong delegation from the South West delivered a direct appeal to Parliament, urging the Government to commit funding for new railway stations.

And, in a new debate on the issue in Parliament last week (Tuesday, May 6), a positive tone was struck by the government on both stations amid a debate featuring Richard Foord (Liberal Democrat, Honiton and Sidmouth) and Gideon Amos (Liberal Democrat, Wellington).

"The strategic objectives for building both stations are clear," said Simon Lightwood, the parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport.

"As well as benefiting the immediate areas in Cullompton and Wellington, enhancing public transport connectivity will also support economic growth and productivity in Exeter, Taunton and Bridgwater, reducing road congestion, car dependency and associated carbon emissions.